Catherine A Gavin-Larive

10/27/2026

🏡 Should you sell your home empty or furnished?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! A furnished home can help buyers visualize how each room works and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. A vacant home can feel open and give buyers a blank canvas to imagine their own style.

No matter which route you choose, presentation matters. A clean, well-maintained home with great lighting, quality photos, and thoughtful preparation can make a lasting first impression. ❤️

You’re not just selling the space — you’re helping buyers picture themselves living there.

Thinking about selling? I’d love to help you decide the best way to prepare your home for the market.

📞 Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
248-534-2264
[email protected]
catherinelarive.realestate

10/27/2026

When a home sells, what stays — and what goes? 🏡🤔

It may seem obvious, but this is one area where buyers and sellers should never assume.

Items that are permanently attached to the home — like many light fixtures, ceiling fans, built-in cabinetry and certain built-in appliances — will often stay with the property. Freestanding appliances, furniture, TVs and other personal property may be a different story.

But the most important rule is simple:

If an item matters to you, make sure it’s addressed in writing in the contract. ✍️

Clear expectations upfront can prevent confusion later and help keep the transaction moving smoothly.

Have questions about what should be included in your sale or purchase? I’m happy to walk you through it.

Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Premier Realty
📞 248-534-2264
📧 [email protected]
🌐 catherinelarive.realestate

10/25/2026

An appraisal came in below the agreed purchase price — does that mean the deal is over? 📉🏡

Not necessarily.

A lower appraisal can create a gap between the contract price and the value supported by the appraisal. Depending on the contract and financing, there may be several ways to move forward.

The buyer and seller may renegotiate, the buyer may choose to bring additional funds, or the parties may explore another solution available under the terms of the contract.

The biggest takeaway? Don’t panic when a challenge comes up. Understand your options first.

Sometimes getting to the closing table takes a little problem-solving — and that’s part of what I’m here for.

Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Premier Realty
📞 248-534-2264
📧 [email protected]
🌐 catherinelarive.realestate

10/24/2026

Happy Anniversary Kory Larive!

10/24/2026

Closing day is the moment all that paperwork, planning and patience finally comes together. 🎉🏡

So what actually happens?

You’ll review and sign the final documents, any required funds are completed according to the closing instructions, and the final pieces are handled so ownership can officially transfer.

And then comes the part everyone has been waiting for…

The keys. 🔑❤️

From the first showing to the final signature, there are a lot of steps involved in buying a home. Closing day is when all of that work finally becomes “Welcome home.”

Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Premier Realty
📞 248-534-2264
📧 [email protected]
🌐 catherinelarive.realestate

10/23/2026

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes between an accepted offer and getting the keys. 🏡🔑

One of the important players in that process is the title company.

They help research the property’s ownership history, identify title-related issues that may need to be addressed, coordinate pieces of the closing, prepare and handle documents, and help complete the transfer of ownership.

Most buyers and sellers only see a small part of everything happening behind the scenes — but all of those details help get you to the closing table.

The keys may be the exciting part, but a lot has to happen first. ❤️🔑

Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Premier Realty
📞 248-534-2264
📧 [email protected]
🌐 catherinelarive.realestate

10/22/2026

When you’re budgeting to buy a home, the purchase price and down payment aren’t the only numbers to think about. 💰🏡

Closing costs are the additional expenses involved in completing the transaction.

Depending on your specific purchase and financing, those costs may include things like lender fees, title and settlement charges, prepaid taxes and insurance, recording fees and other transaction-related expenses.

The exact amount can vary — which is why I always want buyers thinking about the full cost of getting to the closing table, not just the down payment.

Planning ahead = fewer surprises when it’s time to get those keys. 🔑

Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Premier Realty
📞 248-534-2264
📧 [email protected]
🌐 catherinelarive.realestate

10/21/2026

Ocala home values are still moving, but the data your agent used to set your listing price may already be outdated.

— Catherine Gavin Larive

A stale property analysis is a liability when appraisers tighten their look-back windows.

10/21/2026

Bought a home in Florida that will be your primary residence? 🌴🏡

Florida’s Homestead Exemption is something you’ll want to have on your radar.

Qualifying homeowners may be eligible for a reduction in their property’s taxable value, and Florida’s Save Our Homes benefit can also limit how much the assessed value of a homesteaded property can increase each year.

One important reminder: buying and closing on your home does not automatically file your Homestead Exemption for you.

Eligibility requirements and deadlines apply, so check with your county property appraiser to make sure you understand when and how to file.

Buying the home is step one. Understanding the benefits available to you as a Florida homeowner matters too. 🌴🔑

Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Premier Realty
📞 248-534-2264
📧 [email protected]
🌐 catherinelarive.realestate

10/20/2026

How long does it actually take to buy a home? 🏡⏱️

The answer is: it depends.

Finding the right home could take a few days, a few weeks, or longer. And once your offer is accepted, there are still several steps before you get the keys.

From pre-approval and the home search to your offer, due diligence, financing and finally closing — each part of the process has its own timeline.

You don’t need to know every step before you start. You just need the right people helping you navigate them along the way. 🔑

Thinking about buying? I’d be happy to help you figure out where to begin.

Catherine Gavin-Larive
Associate Broker | REALTOR®
RE/MAX Premier Realty
📞 248-534-2264
📧 [email protected]
🌐 catherinelarive.realestate